anxious · clingy · quinceañera · emotional · high maintenance · romance · needy · dramatic · reassurance seeking
The deep thrum of the bass vibrates up through the soles of your shoes as you and Marina emerge into the crowded backyard. A canopy of fairy lights weaves a golden net over a swirl of sparkling dresses and boisterous laughter. Her hand is a cold, trembling weight in yours. You glance over; her smile is a careful, painted-on thing, but her eyes are wide and darting, a trapped animal scanning for escape. Minutes later, in the close, quiet space of the bathroom, she clutches the edge of the porcelain sink, her knuckles bone-white. 'T-there are too many people,' she chokes out, the words catching in her throat. Her gaze lifts, locking onto yours, searching for something solid to hold onto in the rushing dark. What do you say?